Bungee's back in Dingle!

For a unique bird's eye view of Dingle.... located at the back of O'Flaherty's Bar, on the Tracks, Dingle.

Things to do in Dingle this Summer

What to do in Dingle this week...

Slea Head Drive - Take the Slea Head Drive, west of Dingle, to see beautiful beaches at Ceann Trá (Ventry), Slea Head and the Blasket Islands at Dún Chaoin and the amazing scenery in Baile an Fheirteáraigh (Ballyferriter), Baile na nGall (Ballydavid), Feothneach, Muiríoch, Glens and back into Dingle again. It's free and it has some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.

Go to the Circus - Circus Gerbola (at the Mart Grounds) are in town this week

Head to the Funfair - Turbett's Funfair and Amusements are in town at the Tracks

Beehive Theatre - The Beehive Theatre, Cuilín, Dingle is staging performances of the play Drama at Inish weekly throughout the summer.

Bodhrán and Tin Whistle Workshops - Classes daily at 11:00 in Dingle Music School Dykegate Street. Tel. 086 319 0438. Other instruments by arrangement.

Traditional Irish Music Sessions - Nightly from aprox. 9pm at O'Flaherty's Pub, Bridge Street, An Drochead Beag, Main Street, John Benny's, The Pier and The Dingle Pub, Main Street.

Hillgrove Niteclub- One of Ireland's best loved nightclubs, two clubs, Fri/Sat/Sun http://www.hillgrovedingle.com/ or contact 066-9151131.

Dingle World of Leisure - Bowling, Swimming, Kid's Club, Gym. http://www.dwol.eu/

Dingle Ocean World - Enjoy the fascinating fish-life of the Atlantic, come face to face with fearsome sharks, stroll around the Amazonian Jungle watching piranhas, walk through the breathtaking Underwater Tunnel, hold a star fish or stroke a friendly ray..
http://www.dingle-oceanworld.com/

Dingle Horse Riding - Riding treks around the Peninsula - http://www.dinglehorseriding.com/

Dingle Corn Maze - Five Acre Corn Maze on the High Road in the shape of Fungie the Dolphin
and of course....

Take a trip to see Fungie the Dolphin! - Boats rides daily from the Pier in Dingle

Dingle Corn Maze pays homage to Fungie the Dingle Dolphin

Planted on five acres of land in Dingle Town, the Dingle Corn Maze, which opened this week, presents one of the

highlights of summer. This year local farmer Colm Murphy (pictured left with his daughter Orla) has planted the maze in the shape of the town's most famous resident, Fungie the Dolphin, celebrating his 25th year in Dingle. This 'Amazing Maize Maze' presents an amazing day out for all the family. A quiz trail map is included (like a treasure hunt).Sand dunes and other play activities are also available. A picnic area and parking are also included on-site. It also presents a chance to witness some amazing views of Dingle and the harbour's mouth. The Dingle Corn Maze is located in Dingle Town on the 'High Road' and is open daily. Contact Colm at : 087-6109563 for information on opening times etc.

The Dark Knight- Phoenix Cinema, Dingle, showing nightly @ 7.30pm

Night has fallen...

In a world without rules, Gotham City is gripped in the clutch of corruption. Mob bosses, crime lords, corrupt precincts..it is a dark world in the grip of crime and terror. One thing stands between society and the abyss is the 'Batman' who has struck fear into the hearts of his nemesises. Gotham's new DA, Harvey Dent, also offers a beacon of light at the end of the tunnel with his unshakable morals and commitment to prosecute, soon earning him the mantle of Gotham's White Knight.However, soon the 'joke' is on all of them as a menacing presence rips Gotham's core to shreds...

Without giving too much away, The Dark Knight is an amazing film. Heath Ledger's Joker is magnificent in the performance of the year (if not the decade). Without a doubt, the best Batman movie ever made, renders the Michael Keaton/Val Kilmer/George Clooney franchise as irrelevant. And what of Jack Nicholson's Joker? ... a distance memory of a ridiculous pantomime, Heath Ledger's portrayal is the new benchmark in Christopher Nolan's masterpiece.

*****5 Stars.

Catch it this week at the Phoenix Cinema, Dykegate Lane, Dingle, nightly at 7.30pm.

Contact 066-9151222.

Dingle - Tokyo...on a bike!

From Dingle to Japan...on a bike!

Father and son team begin 10,000 mile cycle from Dingle to Tokyo

A father and son team embarked on the adventure of a lifetime last Saturday morning (Saturday, July 26th) as they set off from Dingle, with the intention of cycling all the way to Tokyo, Japan!
Mark Swain (50) and his son Sam (18) left Commenouel, Dún Chaoin at 9.30pm, cycling through Ventry until they reached Dingle where they did a lap of the town.
From there it was on through Kerry, Cork and Waterford on their way to the Ferry in Rosslare.
After arriving in England they will traverse the country, gaining access to France and Mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel.
The two bravados will then venture though France, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, China and finally take the ferry which will bring them to the Island of Japan whereupon they will reach their destination in Tokyo.
The fearless twosome estimates that the route will encompass over 10,000 miles and take almost a year. They may have to alter their route accordingly as there are some countries, such as Burma, which do not allow entry.
According to Mark, this trip has been in the pipeline for almost eight years as when his son Sam was ten years old he asked how long would it take to cycle to Japan.
"Year in, year out he would ask me about cycling to Japan when his birthday came around" explained Mark, "I was impressed by his attitude and insistence about completing this tumultuous task. As subsequent birthdays passed, his persistence continued so I decided to do something about it!" 2008 saw San turn 18 and Mark reach the milestone age of 50.
"Both of us are at landmark ages in our lives to we decided that 2008 was the perfect year to do this!" said Mark. "Dingle and West Kerry is the perfect place to start, we are in the furthermost western point in Europe and we endeavour to reach the eastern reaches of Japan" Mark added.
Mark and Sam will also raise funds for the Rising Sun Domestic Violence Project during their travels.
Mark hopes to keep an online journal of his travels, view it at : www.bugbitten.com/father_son_cycle

Buddhism arrives in Dingle

Buddhism sets its sights on Dingle
Introduction to Eastern religion and philosophy takes place in Dingle's Diseart
Eastern and Western spirituality combined this weekend as Dingle's Diseart, the centre of Celtic Spirituality and Learning founded within the walls of the old Catholic Convent building (which is adjacent to St. Mary's Church), became the location for a lecture in the practice of Buddhism.
Buddhism is a way of life and philosophy which revolves around Buddha, who gave methods to his followers by which full enlightenment may be attained through practices such as meditation.
An Diseart, established by former Dingle Canon and Maynooth Professor, Monsignor Pádraig Ó Fiannachta, is renowned for the world famous Harry Clarke windows situated in the buildings Catholic Church. The centre hosted Buddhist, Christian Bosel-Hamke, who delivered a lecture entitled 'Freedom of Mind' – An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.
Christian Bosel-Hamke is a student of famed Danish Buddhist teacher, Lama Ole Nydahl who already established over 550 meditation and study centres all over the world.
Lama Ole is renowned for his meditation courses, such as the study of Phowa (conscious dying) a meditation to be used at the moment of death.

Ventry Regatta - Sunday, July 20th

Naomhóg masters tackle the ocean waves at Ventry Regatta

The sun came out to play in Ventry on Sunday July 20th, as crowds converged on the West Kerry village to enjoy the the annual Naomhóg rowing meet, Regatta Fionn Trá.
Competitors of all ages from the Maharees, Dingle and the West Kerry Gaeltacht took the ocean waves once again, a tradition which is a great source of local pride. The familiar site of the Namohóg, which from a distance look like black beetles, was visible on the pier from 2pm with a full race card catering for all age groups.
The first race was the U-18 meet with Roisín Breathnach, Laura Kavanagh, Liam Flannery and Cathal Breathneach first past the post.
This was followed by the eagerly anticipated Rás Mór na bhfear, the Four-handed mens'race which saw the men of the Maharees, Jackie Goodwin, Danny Scanlon, Kieran Browne and Frank Hussey stamp their authority on the event once again this year.
The U-12 race, one of the highlight for the younger children taking part proved to be a great success with Brian Devine, Gearóid Breathneach, Meghan Flannery and Kelly Cooke of Cumann Ramhaíochta Corca Dhuibhne emerging as top dogs as they sailed into first place.
The eagerly anticipated Rás Mór na mBan, the four- handed ladies'race proved itself to be one of the afternoon's highlights with winners, local rowing stalwats Monza Heidke, Denise O'Sullivan, Tara Follan and Michelle Kennedy showing the men how things are done in West Kerry! Kevin Granville, Eoin Griffin, Louise O'Brien and Kate Sullivan were victorious in the U-16 meet while the combination of Jackie Goodwin and Eileen Quirke proved a winning formula in the Rás Fear & Bean, the one man, one woman race. The Rás Meascaithe, a mixed race for two men and two women, with names drawn from a hat drew the day's racing to a close with Eimear Galvin, Jane Fitzgerald, Kieran Browne and Jackie Goodwin taking first place.

West Kerry Agricultural Show, July 20th, 2008.

CHAMPION: Carmel Joyce of Ardfert with the Overall Champion, Inviren Boy, at the West Kerry Agricultural Show held in the Mart Grounds, Dingle on Sunday, July 20th. Inviren Boy is also the Spancil Hill Champion for 2008. Pictured also are Carmel's children Ciara and Cillian.

West Kerry Agricultural Show, July 20th, 2008

Pictured: Best Dairy Cow Winners Peter Kennelly (Ardfert) (far left) and Giles Hoffman (Annascaul) (right), receiving their cups at the West Kerry Agricultural Show on Sunday July 20th from judges William Berkery (Cappamore), Tony Barrett (Lispole) and John Egan (Munrow, Co. Limerick).

West Kerry Agricultural Show-Sunday July 20th

A Show of Excellence

West Kerry Agricultural Show celebrates 43 years

The crowds ascended on the Dingle Mart Grounds on Sunday, July 20th, to enjoy the 43rd Annual West Kerry Agricultural Show, habitually one of the highlights of the summer in Corca Dhuibhne. Good weather blessed the event once again this year which saw locals and people from all parts of Ireland and beyond enjoy the many activities and displays on show. Attending the show this year was Minister of State for Agriculture, Tony Kileen TD who was on hand to present the days award the winners of the traditional cattle, sheep, horse and sheep sections. Also spotted among the crowd, enjoying the day's events with his family was RTE Presenter John Kelly
Some of the country's best livestock was on display this year in the various animal classes with €20,000 prize fund up for grabs. The Champion Awards for Best Dairy Cow went to Peter Kennelly of Ardfert and Giles Hoffman of Annascaul (in the confined classes). Champion Pony of Show also went Ardfert's way, as it was awarded to Inviren Boy owned by Carmel Joyce. The Champion Horse of Show Award stayed local this year, awarded to John Ashe of Chapel Lane, Dingle.
Two Cork men grasped the Jim Rohan Memorial Cup for Best Scotch Yearling Ram this year as Pat and his son Dan O'Leary will bring the cup back home to Bantry this year. Maintaining a local profile at the event was brother of GAA stars Darragh, Tomás and Marc, Feargal Ó Sé of Árd a'Bhothair who was awarded the cup for Best Overall Low Land Class.
There was plenty talent on display at the show with an Irish dancing display by Rinceoirí na Ríochta and live music from Banna Ceoil Lios Póil. The arts and crafts section of the show displayed an array of talent while the cute, peachy faces of the Bonny Baby show drew gasps of 'ooh' and 'aww' from onlookers. Horticulture and home-baking also left an impression with those attending the show with special mention to Eileen Breathneach who received a special prize for her outstanding Homemade Apple Pie. Best Dressed Lady Mairín Uí Chearna and Granny Gaelach recipient Josie Bean Uí Bairóid also lent an air of glamour to the day's proceedings.

All THE RESULTS:

CATTLE
Best Dairy Cow: Giles Hoffman, Annascaul. Best Dairy Cow: Peter Kennelly, Ardfert. Best Spring Calving Heifer: Peter Kennelly, Ardfert. Best Breeding Heifer: Dara Murphy, Lispole. Best Dairy Calf: Dara Murphy, Lispole. Best Dairy Calf (led by a child): Noirín Kennedy. Best Overall Breeding Dairy Heifer: Peter Kennelly. Best Butcher Heifer: Marie Martin, Reenconnell. Best Store Bullock: Micheal Griffin, Lispole. Best Calf Beef Breed (male continental): John Moriarty, Annascaul. Best Calf Beef Breed (female continental): Bríd Ní Shé, Ceann Trá. Best Calf Beef Breed (male non- continental): Seamus Leahy, Leataoibh. Best Calf Beef Breed (female non- continental): Marie Kavanagh, Rahinane, Ventry. Best Charlaois Male: James Drum, Castleisland. Best Charlaois Female: Mick Brady, Tralee. Best Pure Bred Limosine Male: Seán Pól Kennedy, Baile an Fheirteáraigh. Best Pure Bred Limosine Female: Seán Pól Kennedy, Baile an Fheirteáraigh.

PONIES
Lead in Reins Class: Mike Madden, Charleville. Pony U-13/2: Con Sugrue, Tralee. Pony U-14/2: Dawn Hillard, Bally bowler. Pony Brddo Mare with Foal at Foot: Con Sugrue, Tralee. Pony Foal: Con Sugrue, Tralee. Registered Connemara Pony Pure or Part Breed: Carmel Joyce, Ardfert. Lead in Reins Class: Hillary Ashe, Tralee. Champion of Show: Carmel Joyce, Ardfert.

HORSES
Best Irish Draught Brood Mare: Kevin Knightly, Annascaul. Best Irish Draught Colt or Filly Foal: Kevin Knightly, Annascaul. Brood Mare: Michelle Leahy, Dingle. Best Barren Mare: Michelle Leahy, Dingle. Best Colt or Gelding: John Ashe, Chapel Lane, Dingle. Best Mare to Produce Show Jumper: Michelle Leahy, Dingle. Best Mare and Foal: Kevin Knightly, Annascaul. Ridden Hunter Class: John Ashe, Chapel Lane, Dingle. Champion Horse of the Show: John Ashe, Chapel Lane, Dingle.

SHEEP
Best Scotch Yearling Ram-Jim Rohan Memorial Cup: Pat O'Leary, Bantry. Best Scotch Yearling Ram: Tom O'Sullivan, Dingle. Best Pen Hoggett Scotch Rams: Barry O'Halloran, Knockavrogeen, Dingle. Best Aged Ram: Oliver Brosnan, Ballybowler. Best Scotch Ram Lamb: Pat Lovett, Goulane, Lispole. Best Pen of Three Breeding Scotch Ewes: Seán Prendiville, Lispole. Best Open 3 Swalesale Type Breeding Ewes: Oilver Brosnan, Ballybowler. Best Three Hoggett Ewes: Thomas Riordan. Best Pen of Three Scotch Breeding Ewe Lambs: Oliver Brosnan, Ballybowler. Best Pen of Three Scotch Wether Lambs: Thomas Riordan. Best Overall Mountain Class: Pat O'Leary, Bantry.

SHEEP- LOWLAND
Best Pen (3) Texel Cross Ewe Lambs: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Pen Suffolk Ewe Lambs: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Pen Lester Ewe Lambs: Ulic O'Sullivan. Best Pen White Face Breeding Ewes: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Pen Suffolk Breeding Lambs: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Pen Butcher Wether Lambs: Ulic O'Sullivan. Best Texel Ram: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best White Face Ram: Patrick O'Leary, Cork. Best Suffolk Ram Lamb: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Suffolk Lamb: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Cheviot Ram Lamb: Gene Cronin, Killarney. Best Charolais Ram Lamb: Gene Cronin, Killarney. Best Overall Low Land Class: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá.

DOG SHOW
Puppies (9 Months and Under): Gavin McGaity (India). Large Dogs: Katie Moriarty (Penny). Terrier Breeds: Jack McKagh (Chip). Dogs in Fancy Dress: Saoirse Weave (Jenny). The Dog the Judges would most like to take home: Kate Mortiarty (Penny). Consolation: Sive Lenihan (Bonny).

SHEEP DOG TRIALS
OPEN: 1st Senie O'Leary, Fermoy, 2nd Brian Casey, Tipperary, 3rd Dave Mulcahy, Cork, 4th Tom O'Sullivan, Kilcummin, Killarney, 5th Mike Dowd, Tralee, 6th Milo O'Brien, Camp.
CONFINED: 1st Seán Leabh, Leataoibh, Baile an Fheirteáraigh, 2nd Mossie Murphy, Kilerigh, Ventry, 3rd Tom Sullivan, Ballinasig, Dingle.

BEST DRESSED LADY: Mairín Uí Cheárna, Baile an Fheirteáraigh.
GRANNY GAELACH: Josie Bean Uí Bairóid, Baile Mór.
CHILDREN'S OVERALL ART AWARD: Sharon Ní Shlatra.
BONNY BABY: Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh.
EXCELLENCE AWARD: Gene Sheehy
BEST OVERALL TART: Eilibhín Breathneach, Gorta Dubh, Baile an Fheirteáraigh.
OVERALL SCHOOL: Bunscoil an Chlochair, Daingean Uí Chúis.
OVERALL ARTISTIC AWARD: Annascaul ICA.

Dingle curate to become Ballyferriter P.P.

Dingle curate to become Ballyferriter P.P.
Bishop issues several change of appointments in West Kerry area
Dingle's loss is the become Ballyferriter's gain later this month as Rev. Fr. Eugene Kiely of Dingle is to be appointed Parish Priest of the Baile an Fheirteáraigh parish under the changes announced by Bishop of Kerry Bill Murphy last weekend. Fr. Kiely, a Cork man by heritage, has become a central part of the local parish community in Dingle; his spiritual devotion and kind, gentle demeanor endearing him to many. He took a great interest in the Divine Mercy and Our Lady of Fatima organising local devotions at various churches in the community. He was also a board member of national school Scoil an Ghleanna, which opened its new buildings last week. Fr. Kiely was also an avid Gaelgóir professing an exacting fluency in the Irish language. "Fr. Kiely has been a wonderful asset to the local community here" said one parishioner, "we are very sad to see him go but wish him well in his new appointment as parish priest in Ballyferriter." Several changes of appointment were announced this weekend to the Clergy Corca Dhuibhne Deanery, which will come into effect on Wednesday July 23rd.
Baile an Fheirteáraigh Parish Priest, the very Rev. Gearóid Godley is to be appointed Co-Ordinator of the Diocesan Pastoral Strategic Plan. The very Rev. Brendan Walsh, Parish Priest Annascaul is to become the Parish Priest of Causeway with the very Rev. John Buckely, P.P. Tuosist to come to Annascaul in his stead. Rev. Bernard Healy returns from post-graduate studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome to become a curate in Dingle alongside the Canon Fr. Thomas Looney. Rev. Sean Sheehy, Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA is come to West Kerry to minister pro tem in Castlegregory parish with Canon Thomas Looney. Dingle will continue as the Administrator of the Castlegregory Parish.

Father and daughter exhibit works at Greenlane Gallery

"Expansion"
An Exhibition of new paintings and sculpture by Tomás O'Ciobháin and Anthony Scott

Venue: Greenlane Gallery

Dingle Date: 5th July, 2008

Opened by Professor Liam O'Murchu

When you meet sculptor, Anthony Scott’s life-size bronze horse, Labharacam, the centerpiece of his forthcoming exhibition at the Greenlane Gallery, Dingle (5 – 30 July 2008), its like all of his previous work has come into its proper dimensions, and that his older, smaller horse sculptures have been a rehearsal.
This exhibition also sees an exciting new body of work by West Kerry Coast artist, Tomás O'Ciobháin . While O’Ciobháin continues his fascination with the land and seascapes that surround him, often from extremely vertiginous perspectives, it is in an increasingly abstract manner and with a lighter touch.
O'Cíobháin’s daughter, Aine, will also show some of her work at the forthcoming exhibition. Aine concentrates on night-time urban landscapes. Her years immersed in the grimey, urban world of night-shoots, give her paintings an urgency and authenticity ripped from the streets.

More info: http://www.greenlanegallery.com/

Fungie at play in Dingle Bay

Fungie celebrates 25 years in Dingle

Happy anniversary Fungie!

Festivities as Dingle's most famous resident celebrates 25 years in his adopted home


There was a great cause of celebration in Dingle last Satuday as visitors and locals alike came together to pay homage to Dingle's most famous resident, Fungie the Dingle Dolphin, who this year celebrates his 25th year in his home in Dingle Harbour. Local fishermen and boat operators dressed up as pirates, offering trips to see Fungie in all his glory as he played and frolicked in the June sunshine last Saturday and Sunday. The wild bottle nose dolphin settled in Dingle in the 1980s and since then has become a regular fixture.
His exploits first came to the attention of fishermen when this dolphin began to play, jump and frolic with the boats out in the harbour.
Divers, water sports enthusiasts and local marine experts soon realised that this was no ordinary dolphin due to his playful and friendly demeanor and soon thousands began to flock to the town to witness the spectacle for themselves.
Local fishermen soon organised boat trips to go and visit with Fungie who failed to disappoint down through the years, delighting the countless numbers who made the trip out into the harbour to see him play and jump around the boats. Distinctively marked, Fungie has established himself in the hearts of Dingle's residents. Dolphins and whales are no strangers to Kerry's coastline as many come to its bountiful seas every year however there is no other documented account of a wild dolphin staying in the same place for so long.
Fungie has always been extremely friendly with humans displaying a unique personality. Despite his immense size as a fully mature bottle nose male dolphin, people have been amazed by his gentleness around children and the infirm. It is understood he shelters in some of the caves at the mouth of the harbour during stormy weather and often flanks ships and boats as they leave Dingle. He has also provided a major economic boost to the town over the years with literally thousands travelling to Dingle each year to visit him.
His contribution to the area was noted some years ago as a copper statue was erected in his honour at the entrance to Dingle Pier.

A friend to all, Fungie's place in Kerry's history is firmly cemented if the smiles on the faces of the children who caught a glimpse of him last weekend in Dingle is anything to go by!

Anyone who would like to visit Fungie may make inquiries by telephoning 066-9151967.

The Turas kicks off in Dingle

Team Helly Hansan UK, Team Peak Adventure Australia and Team Lundhags Adventure in Sweden enjoying 'The Turas' opening ceremony, marking the beginning of a five day race over land, sea and mountain over the terrains of Kerry and West Cork.

Extreme sports event kicks off in Dingle

www.theturas.com

An Turas Mór, a six-day world series adventure race where 40 super athletes take on mountains, lakes, sea in the ultimate test of human endurance, kicked off in Dingle on June 16th.

Dingle Fishermen protest

Forced to dump their own fish while imports are branded as 'Irish'
Dingle fishermen call for Government and EU action to save local fishing industry

The fishermen of Dingle took a stand this week on Dingle Pier, as they protested in solidarity with fishermen all over the country, drawing attention to the fact that while non-EU fish is being imported into Ireland to be sold and branded as 'Irish' fish; they are forced to dump large proportions of their catches to comply with EU quotas. Highlighting the dire state of Ireland's fishing economy, the peaceful protest was staged at Dingle Pier throughout Tuesday as the fishermen of West Kerry spoke out against rising diesel prices, the importation of non-EU fish into Ireland, the imposition of quotas and stringent EU regulation which they feel is about to extinguish one of Kerry's traditional industries.
"With all the talk about the Lisbon Treaty and what Europe has done for us, there has been nothing said about the state the Irish fishing industry is in, because of the EU" said the protesting fishermen's representative.
"In order to comply with the quotas set upon us by the EU, we have to dump a lot of our catches at sea or we will be penalised, this is insane."
Despite this surplus, the fishermen protesting say that thousands of tonnes of non-EU fish is being exported into the country; sold and branded as Irish fish. They are calling for the Government and the Department of the Marine to step in and negotiate some sort of traceability system similar to the one in place for Irish meat produce. "Now, fish from Non-EU countries is being exported into the country and being sold as Irish fish, yet we have to dump our own catches, it's a disgrace" said the spokesperson. Rising fuel costs was cited as another reason for the protest as the cost of fishing at, according to the fishermen, the price of fuelling their boats has doubled since this time last year due to the surges in Irish diesel and oil prices. "We just can't go on like this, someone needs to come to the table and start talking sooner rather than later or else Kerry's fishing industry will soon become a thing of the past. How can we condone a Europe that makes us dump our own fish while allowing non-EU imports to be sold in Ireland as Irish fish? How come we are restricted in fishing in our own waters while other fleets can plunder billions from our seas?" said the spokesperson. "Something has to be done or else the fishing industry in Kerry and the rest of the country is finished."

Ó Guinea go Glaise

West Kerry native, Ciara Gorman and her husband, Aboubacar Sidibe who hails from Guinea have brought West African art to Dingle with the unveiling of their new business, Ó Guinea go Glaise, a new arts and crafts store dedicated to representing the arts and crafts of Guinea, Senegal and the Ivory Coast.

Dingle makes top twenty global desinations

Dingle makes top twenty global destinations

Its official, Dingle is among the top twenty destinations in the world you simply must visit, according to www.tripadvisor.com which is basing the poll on the millions that leave feedback on the site every day. The Top Twenty Travel Destinations in the world, according to the poll, are: Milford Sound, New Zealand, Queensland, New Zealand, Philipsburg, St. Maaten, Cayo Largo, Cuba, Rhodes, Greece, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas (US Virgin Island), Cruz Bay, St John (US Virgin Island), Bridgestown, Barbados, Banff, Canada, Lake Tahoe, Canada, Salzburg, Austria, Cape Town, South Africa , Amalfi, Italy, Bath, England, Siena, Italy , Victoria, British Colombia , Hamilton, Bermuda, Dingle, Ireland (!), Lake Louise, Canada and Bruges, Belguim.

Dingle is the only Irish destination to make the global top twenty,an immense feat for a small town in the South West of Ireland! Tripadvisor also feature a top twenty European destinations, of which Dingle rates in the top ten, sitting at No. 6 in the poll ahead of destinations such as the Vatican City and Venice in Italy and even Paris!

For tripadvisors top twenty destination guide, visit http://www.tripadvisor.com/.

Féile na Bealtaine 2008: Ceol, cultúr agus craic

Music to my ears: Trad musicians Fergus Ó'Flaithbheartaigh and Feargal MacAmhlaoibh in Flaherty's Bar, Dingle, performing during Féile na Bealtaine last week.

Féile na Bealtaine brings Dingle to life

CEOIL: Ceol agus craic ar sráideanna an Daingin le cheoltóirí ó banna cheoil Vagabontu ón Romáin i rith Féile na Bealtaine.

Dingle welcomes summer with Féile na Bealtaine

COMHRÁ: Scríobhneoirí Mairín Feirteár, Danny Mac an tSíthigh agus ealaíonteoir Sandra Landers ag comhrá faoi dánta nua ón fhile Dariena Ní Chinnéide i rith Féile na Bealtaine. (www.feilenabealtaine.ie)

Marathon men hit the road for Cystic Fibrosis

Marathon men hit the road for Cystic Fibrosis

Local athletes to take on Cork, Dublin and New York City Marathons

Two West Kerry men are preparing to take on three major marathons over the next few months in an effort to raise much needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Veteran local runner, Martin Halloran from Ballyeightra, Dingle will be joined by Seán Cahillane, a Ballydavid man new to the marathon circuit, in an effort to complete both the Cork City Marathon this June and the Dublin City Marathon in October (making it Martin's fifth Dublin City Marathon and Seán's first), which are both 26.2 miles in length. Four days later, Martin will board a plane to head for the US where he will take part in the world renowned New York City Marathon, where 38,000 people, with many celebrities thrown into the mix, pound the streets of the Big Apple. Over the next few months, the lads will be busy preparing for the immense tasks ahead, training hard on wild and windy roads of West Kerry while launching a concerted drive to raise sponsorship for Cystic Fibrosis, which claimed two young lives over the past year and a half in the West, that of young woman Mary Hand of Dingle and teenager Paidí Grummel of Carrig. Seán and Martin train during the week and each Sunday they run from Baile na nGall to Dún Chaoin and back.
"The Cork City Marathon in June will be my first marathon, hopefully it will all go well and I'll be able to finish it!" said Seán. Martin is also looking forward to the challenges ahead, especially the New York City Marathon. "Its a lifelong dream to compete in the New York City Marathon" said Martin, who has completed the Dublin City Marathon an amazing four times over the past few years. Both runners are keen to raise as much as they can for the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and a number of sponsorship cards will be made available in local shops and outlets in the West Kerry area over the coming weeks. Anyone interested in sponsoring the lads in their quest or in obtaining a sponsorship card may contact Seán at 087-7855419.

US Choir to perform in St. Mary's Church, Dingle

Dingle makes a comeback

Dingle's back, along with Daingean Uí Chúis!

So the week's big news, the names Dingle and Daingean Uí Chúis are to receive official status! Minister for Environment John Gormley TD made an announcement last Tuesday that he was about to amend legislation which would allow the bilingual names of Dingle and Daingean Uí Chúis to be officially recognised at the town's offical english and irish names, demoting the name An Daingean which had been imposed as the town's official name by the Offical Languages Act. Locals held a plebiscite in the town 555 days ago where over 90% voted for Dingle/Daingean Uí Chúis, rather than An Daingean. However the Government had not, until this week, made any moves towards recognising the result of the plebiscite. A year of lobbying and meetings by South Kerry TD, Jackie Healy-Rae and Senator Joe O'Toole and a deal struck with Taoiseach Berite Ahern all contributed to Mr. Gormleys undertaking this week. "I'm delighted to be able to keep my promise to the people of Dingle" said Deputy Healy-Rae from his offices in Dublin last Tuesday. "I also want to thank An Taoiseach Berite Ahern for keeping his commitment to me on his last day in the cabinet."
Locals are delighted with the announcement which will see Daingean Uí Chúis sign posted in An Gaeltacht and Dingle/Daingean Uí Chúis everywhere else. "We are absolutely delighted with this announcement and wish to thank everyone who has supported this, in particular Deputy Healy-Rae for all his efforts in the Dáil in finding the key to unlocking this solution as well as Senator Joe O'Toole and the members of Kerry County Council who voted to present the plebiscite to Government" said Fergus Ó'Flaithbheartaigh of Coiste Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis. "Dingle and Daingean Uí Chúis has a proud heritage and we are delighted the names will now receive the proper recognition they deserve.
READ THE FULL STORY: www.dinglename.com

Féile na Bealtaine 30th April - May 5th

Féile na Bealtaine
Dingle Peninsula Arts Festival
April 30th-May 5th
Feách ar www.feilenabealtaine.ie do liosta iomlán de eachtaraí áitiúla.
Check out www.feilenebealtaine.ie for a full and comprehensive listing of events taking place during Féile na Bealtaine, the Dingle Peninsula's annual arts festival, April 30th - May 5th.

Dingle and Galicia to forge links this summer

Dingle and Galicia to forge links this summer
Spanish lessons for 'El Dinguel' as offical visit looms

Dingle will hope to further extend its links with the Spanish region of Galicia in north western Spain this summer as the West Kerry town prepares to welcome a group of dignitaries from the northern Spanish cultural authority, Xacobeo, this May. Preparations for a number of cultural exchanges and civic receptions are currently underway and is hoped that the group, which will include many Ministers from the region and tourism heads, will arrive in Dingle on Saturday May 3rd for an official two visit, where they will meet with Dingle Business Chamber, Udaras na Gaeltachta and other local authorities. The exchange has arisen from the trip made by 28 pilgrims from West Kerry to Santiago De Compestela last year aboard the tall ship built in Tralee, the Jeanie Johnston, where they revived the tradition of walking the pilgrim of St. James, a event which had at one time, been an annual event. One of the sea-farers, Colm Bambury, made a number of contacts while in Spain and it is now hoped that a link may be forged between Dingle and Galicia. There has always been a strong Spanish influence in Dingle due to its harbour port and the Church of St. James on the Main Street which was built by Spanish settlers in the area. It is also said that the name of the town of Dingle has been derived from Spanish, El Dinguel. "The Jeanie Johnston trip and the walk of St. James reignited a link that had existed between Dingle and Spain for centuries" Colm explained. "We now hope to further encourage exchanges between the two regions in terms of business, language, the harbours, music and culture."
Colm and six others will travel to Galicia region in Spain this Saturday where they will undertake a three-day walk from Santiago De Compestela to Fisterra, which will involve walking 94 kms in three days. Upon the walks completion they will meet with a number of prominent figures in the area to finalise the official visit to Dingle.

Public Notice - Tracing Roots

Hello, my name is Mary Garvey, and I am going to be coming to Dingle in late May I hope. I would love to meet any relatives, no matter how distant. I am a descendant of Timothy Garvey of Ballyferriter, who left the area during or after the famine, with his brothers Dan, Pat and John. A sister, Mary, married John Fitzgerald and stayed behind. Some of you might recall that other descendents of Timothy Garvey returned here a few years ago. They would be my second cousins. It will just be a short trip, but I am sure it will be great. I hope to hear a lot of music, perhaps do a bit of family research (we have known almost nothing for so long), and meet some of the clan. I’ll try to bring some family trees, as well as those of other Dingle families who seemed to travel and work with my relatives. Hope to meet you soon. You can email me at maryogarvey@yahoo.com if you would like. M. Garvey

Gardening workshops in Burnham every Saturday

Innovative gardening workshops to take place in West Kerry

Some have a Midas touch when it comes to wildlife and gardening, none more-so than Burnham based horticulturalist Julí Ní Mhaoileoin, who launches a series of gardening workshops at the Dingle Seaside Garden Centre, Gairdiní an Daingin, this Saturday. Julí hopes to encourage both novices and those with an existing knowledge of horticulture to spring into summer by making their gardens come alive, be it in a window box, vegetable patch or full scale garden, either in a rural or urban setting.One of West Kerry's best known and colourful characters, Julí has over 15 years of experience, harboring a dedicated knowledge and passion for gardening and wildlife.
Such is her flair for the outdoors, she even shares her home with a robin (pictured above) who built a nest in her kitchen! "He lives here" said Julí, as the robin hopped around Julí's home, "he built a nest here last year behind one of my kitchen shelves!" Julí is keen to extend an invitation to all to join her in West Kerry this Saturday. "I would like to invite everyone, no matter how much knowledge they have, to come along and take part in this workshop" said Julí. "Gardening fulfills the soul, there is no better feeling than producing your own vegetables or growing your own flowers and its something anyone, of any age, can achieve successfully."Julí will touch on a number of areas this Saturday, in the beauty of her West Kerry home overlooking Dingle Harbour in the picturesque area of Burnham, such as organic vegetable growing, setting, wildlife gardening (encouraging wildlife to come to the garden), information on trees and shrub planting, how to cater for coastal gardens, using natural fertilizers, companion planting, making organic natural pesticides among other areas of horticultural interest. "We will also touch on encouraging bio-diversity in the garden which is very important" Julí added.
Saturday's workshop will mark the first of many upcoming workshops that include flower arranging, basket making, art workshops using nature and a special horticultural workshop for children. Anyone interested in taking part in the workshops over the next few weeks can do so by contacting Julí at 086-8337733 or visit www.julimalone.com

Dingle's Gaeltacht status uncertain

Dingle's Gaeltacht status uncertain

Dingle could lose its Gaeltacht status if the criteria suggested by a new linguistic study, which was released this week, is implemented.
A report on the status of the Irish language, A Comprehensive Linguistic Study of the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht was commissioned by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in 2004.
Its findings have now been examined by Connemara lecturer Donncha O hEallaithe and the implications arising from the study could signal the end of Dingle's all-Irish status. If strict linguistic criteria were to be implemented, as laid out by the study, the population of designated areas in Ireland could drop by 51,000, as areas previously recognised as Gaeltacht areas, such as Dingle, Belmullet in Mayo, Galway City and parts of Donegal would not fall within the guidelines designating a Gaeltacht. According to the study, the current national Gaeltacht population stands at 95,500. If the new criteria is implemented, that would drop to 44,000. This would deem areas such as Dingle ineligible for certain types of grant aid allocated to official all-Irish areas. In addition, infrastructural aids for housing, roadworks and marine facilities could be jeopardised. Civil servants such as teachers and members of the Gardai are also afforded additional payments for the execution of their duties in Gaeltacht areas.Data was compiled using statistics compiled by the the Central Statistics Office and from the Dept of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in assessing each Gaeltacht area.
During Mr. Ó'hEallaithe's examination of the data he found that only 17,000 Irish speakers nationwide fall into Category A., the strongest Irish-speaking areas. 10,000 live in Category B, while 17,000 live in areas where Irish is used on a sparse basis. Consequently, 51,000 individuals, currently living in so-called Gaeltachts, would no longer satisfy the criteria, as Irish would no longer be deemed the primary community language. In addition the influx of immigrant workers means that a large proportion of those living and working in Gaeltacht areas, such the West Kerry Gaeltacht, means that many workers in construction, bars, restaurants and hotels, have no experience or knowledge of the Irish language. A recent census survey indicated that up to 2% of Kerry's population is Polish-born however this does not account for the thousands who travel to the county in the summer months to engage in casual labour.

Cuilneach brother and sister pass away within hours of each other

Brother and sister pass away within hours of each other

Sadness as elderly siblings, who lived together their entire lives, are buried on the same day

A sense of sadness descended over the rural townland of Cuilneach, near Dingle, last week as an elderly brother and sister, who had lived together at their family's farmhouse all their lives in the countryside, passed away within a couple of hours of each other. John and Mary Martin, who were both in their eighties, passed away on Friday March 15th. John had taken ill earlier in the week and was admitted to St. Mary's Hospital in Dingle. Sadly, he took a bad turn on Friday morning and his sister Mary, with whom he shared a house in Cuilneach, was sent for. John, or Jack as he was also known, passed away around lunchtime on Friday and his elderly sister Mary made her way, accompanied by relatives, to the home they had shared to make preparations for the funeral and get some clothing. Sadly, Mary herself took ill at the Cuilneach farmhouse and passed away that afternoon, less than a few hours after her brother's passing. Friends and neighbours described John and Mary as very kind, gentle and giving people and their sudden demise has left a deep sense of sadness in the local community. Dingle's Parish Priest Canon Tom Looney paid tribute to John and Mary at Masses over the weekend, speaking of their kind and gentle demeanor, describing them as 'true old stock'.
John and Mary's removal took place last Sunday evening from O'Connor's Funeral Home, Dingle, to St. Mary's Church. Following Requiem Mass on Monday morning, John and Mary travelled together in procession to their final resting place at St. Brendan's Cemetery at Milltown-Dingle, where they were laid to rest with their late brother Tom. They are survived by their sister Anne McDonnell, relatives, neighbours and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anamacha dilís

Féile na Casca opens in Ballyferriter

Amtje Dimgels agus ealaíontóir áitiúil Helen Wynne ag breathnú ar oibre Helen ar an bhfalla ar chlé ag taispeántas ealaíona Féile na Casca i mBaile an Fheirteáraigh Dé Luan seo caite.

Dún Chaoin's Tigh Krugers open once again!

Tigh Krugers ar oscailt arís: D'Oscail na dóirse ar Tigh Kruger i nDún Chaoin an tseachtain seo tar éis é bheith dúnta le dhá bhliain anuas. Bunaigh Muiris 'Kruger' Ó'Caomhánaigh an Tigh Tábhairne cailiúil i gcroí-lár na Gaeltachta, caoga bliain ó shin. Tá beirt deatháir, Brían agus Niall Ó'Conchúir (ar chlé) ón Ghráig i mBaile an Fheirteáraigh tar éis é oscailt arís. Tá Tigh Krugers suite in aice Reilig Dún Chaoin agus uaimh Peig Sayers ar bhruach na faillte ag féachaint amach ar na mBlaoscaóidí.

Celebrating the culture and history of West Kerry's 'Bibeanna' (a group of mature ladies who published a book about their experiences growing up in Corca Dhuibhne), on a special float in the Dingle St. Patrick's Day Parade. Front, l-r, Mary O'Sullivan, Máire and Mathew Ó'Grifín (all Lispole). Back, trad musicians from the Lispole and Annascaul area.

Ian Grahan and Gerry Curran flying the flag during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dingle.

Young musicians from the Dingle's Fife n' Drum Band enjoying a tune with St. Patrick during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dingle last Monday.

Dingle jewellery presented to US President on Paddy's day

Dingle's Date with the White House....

Dingle eyes were smiling this Paddy's Day as one of their own made their mark at the White House when a pair of Brian De Staic designed cuff links were presented to US President George W. Bush, as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington last Monday. The presentation was made on Brian's behalf by his friend Fiona O'Sullivan, who is a sister of the famous Irish tenor Ronan Tynon and a personal friend of the US President and his family. The presentation came about when Brian, a member of Dingle's Rotary Club, met with Fiona, a fellow Rotarian during the year. "Fiona thought, as the Bushs will be soon leaving the White House, it would be nice to give them a uniquely Irish gift" said Brian. As it happens, Brian was developing and designing a new range of personal jewellery from his workshop in Dingle and agreed to custom make a a set of 14 ct gold cufflink for Presient Bush as well as a gold brooch from the same collection for the First Lady. Former President George Bush Senior and his wife Barbara Bush were also presented with the same items designed by Brian, made in Dingle. "There's an Ogham inscription on the President's cufflinks which reads Moladh go deo le Dia, which means, Praise be to God forever" Brian explained. It is not the first time Brian has made an impression on the White House with his work. In 1994 he presented some of his unique Ogham Collection to the then US President, Bill Clinton and his First Lady, Hillary Clinton who is currently battling it out with Senator Obama Barack for the Democratic Presidential nomination. In 2000, Brian himself travelled to the Vatican to present a silver pilgrim bell to the late Pope John Paul II.Some of his other famous clients include actors Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts. Brian himself is delighted that his work has made it all the way to the White House, especially on St. Patrick's Day.""It's a great honour to see your product's being presented to the world's most influential man," he said. More information is available at http://www.briandestaic.com/.

Scottish football boss behind Dingle job losses

Scottish football mogul behind Dingle job losses

It has emerged that the man behind the Contact 4 operation in Dingle, which laid off 40 workers without pay or notice on February 28th, Mr. Pearse Flynn, is also the Chairman of Scottish Premier League Club Livingston FC. 108 workers were laid off in Dingle, Achill and Gaoth Daobhair on February 28th when the Scottish tele-sales company terminated their employment with a conference call. The workers, 40 in Dingle alone, had to pack up and leave immediately. To add insult to injury, the workers are still owed an entire months wages, holiday pay and bonus payments for targets reached in work. Contact 4 received €3 million in grant aid to set up in Ireland from Udaras na Gaeltachta and the Dingle call-centre had operated from the Udaras buildings in Milltown. A car-park and an extension was also built to facilitate Mr. Flynn's company.Mr. Flynn is also reportedly a shareholder in Celtic FC and his Glasgow call-centre, Contact4U has also gone into liquidation. He is also involved in a legal dispute with Callpoint Europe. Udaras na Gaeltachta are currently pursuing the matter and a redundancy fund is to be set up for the non-payment of the staff's wages.

West Kerry artists exhibit in NYC

West Kerry artists bite the Big Apple

The work of six West Kerry artists will be among the work of twenty-seven Kerry artists which will be showcased in the Big Apple this Thursday and Friday night (March 20th/21st) in a special exhibition at the Magnan Projects Art Gallery in New York City. West Kerry artists Deirdre McKenna, Liam O'Neill, Pat Hennessy, Carol Cronin, Mary Neville and Michael Flaherty will all submit work to the exhibit, which was organised by North Kerry TD (and former Kerry Football great), Deputy Jimmy Deenihan along with Tralee-born artist Padraig Tarrant, who is now based in NYC. The exhibition is being held in conjunction with the Seán MacCarthy Festival weekend, as all the artists exhibiting participated in last years festival held in Finuge. "Hopefully this exhibit will give out a strong message to the artistic community in New York that Kerry is not only one of the most beautiful parts of the world to visit but also one with a thriving visual arts community" said Deptuy Deenihan. More information on the exhibit is available at the Magnan Projects website:www.magnanprojects.com and at the Seán MacCarty Festival website, www.finugeweekend.com.

Storm hits West Kerry

Atlantic storm hits West Kerry

A bout of severe weather hit West Kerry last night, Sunday the 9th, as an intense Atlantic Storm centred itself over the South West coast of the country. This picture, taken yesterday at approximately 4.30pm at Clochar Strand in the Dún Chaoin area over looking An Fear Marbh of the Blasket Islands, shows the arrival of the storm, which weather experts had predicted would hit the country on Sunday night. Preparations for storm damage were rife throughout the rest of the country, however a knowing calm had settled over West Kerry as people waited for the arrival of the storm, not an uncommon thing in the West by all accounts. Ferocious gusts, bearing southeast to east, later shifting west to northwest battered Dingle and the West, reaching speeds of up to 170km per hour between 6am-8pm this morning. Some structural damage was reported,to sheds, outhouses with a lot of debris, however the area escaped relatively unscathed. A severe gale warning was issued by Met Eireann at 11pm on Monday 10th for overnight gales, however in West Kerry the winds have appeared to abated, for now. There is still a risk of heavy rain and sleet with a risk of local flooding in coastal areas at high tide.

40 Jobs lost as Contact 4 closes

Wage fears as sudden closure of call centre results in 40 job losses

40 employees at the Dingle based call centre Contact 4 lost their jobs last Thursday when centre manager Imelda McCracken received a phonecall indicating that all operations were to be halted immediately and that everyone employed there was to pack up and go home.
The Glasgow telemarketing company established call-centres in Dingle, Achill Island (Mayo) and Gaoth Daobhair (Donegal) almost three years ago with over €3million euro in grant aid received from local Gaeltacht authority Udarás na Gaeltachta.
The employees, who were paid on a monthly basis, now face an anxious wait to determine whether or not they will receive their wages for the past five weeks, in addition to other monies owed such as outstanding holiday pay, bonus payments for sales targets reached during work and, in some cases, redundancy payments for full-time employees.
"It was a normal working day, we were pushing on the phones to reach our daily sales targets when at 3pm I received a call from head office in Glasgow to say that the centre was closing there and then and that everyone had to go home immediately" explained centre manager Imelda.
The immediacy of the shock closure has devastated those who had been employed there, many of whom have young families, mortgages and were 100% dependent on the centre.
It is also a tough blow to the many employees who had received skills training in the centre, having returned to work after long-term unemployment.
"You would never expect that something like this would happen in 2007, its like something out of the 1970s" added local man David O'Neill who, as a senior employee, is owed several weeks holiday pay as well as bonus payments for sales targets he achieved during work.
Other employees at the Dingle centre are disgusted at the way they have been treated. "We have been shown absolutely no respect," said Michael Smurfwhite, who has been employed with the company for the past two years. Major building had been undertaken at Dingle's Udarás buildings in Milltown to facilitate Contact 4's arrival including the construction of a large extension and car park in an area of scenic beauty beside a river bank.
Some criticisms have been levelled locally towards Udarás na Gaeltachta who brought originally brought the company to the area.
However a statement released by Udarás na Gaeltachta this week indicated that they too had no prior notice of the closures which resulted in the loss of 108 jobs in Dingle, Achill Island and Gaoth Daobhair.
"These closures are a serious setback for employment in the Gaeltacht but it is worth noting that Údarás na Gaeltachta has shown its ability to source modern service investment, which generates substantial employment for Gaeltacht locations and will endeavour to build on the skills base built up in this sector over the past number of years" read the statement.
However this has done nothing to quell the distain felt by many of the employees. "We cannot believe that an agency of the Government, who invested so much money in this, would allow something like this to happen where employess are just told to pack up and go home" said Mr. Smurfwhite.
"This is not like Dublin, you can't walk down the road and get another job. What are we supposed to do now?"